On Taking Risk…
“If things seem under control, you are just not going fast enough.”
– Mario Andretti
“There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.”
– Aristotle
“When you play it too safe, you’re taking the biggest risk of your life. Time is the only wealth we’re given.”
– Barbara Sher
“Risk comes from not knowing what you’re doing.”
– Warren Buffett
“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.”
– John A. Shedd
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
– Chinese Proverb
FM Broadcast – Winter 2016
In September, we brought together 80 executives to experience the thrill of driving BMW M-Series cars at the famous Thermal Club in Palm Desert. Attendees learned how to navigate high-performance automobiles in a challenging environment, reaching speeds in excess of 120 mph.
In October, we hosted 120 guests aboard FDR’s presidential yacht, the USS Potomac, during San Francisco’s “Fleet Week.” We all marveled at the Blue Angels as they performed their aerial acrobatics, sometimes flying in formations within 18 inches of each other, and at speeds of over 400 mph.
Both experiences reminded us that the most exhilarating and rewarding times in our lives usually occur when we take risk.
Each of us is in a race. Perhaps we are racing against ourselves, trying to
do better than we did last year professionally or in our personal lives. In business, we are racing against our competitors to
develop the best products, solve complex issues, take market share, and provide a higher return to our investors. We cannot win the race if we always “play it safe” and stay in the slow lane. You have to speed up to pass someone, which is risky, but you can take steps to mitigate that risk and still win.
When we started FlemingMartin five years ago, we knew there was risk involved. We were leaving the backing of a large firm; we would be taking on the full administrative burden of running a company and we weren’t sure how our clients would react to the change. What we did know was that we shared the same values – trust, hard work, and a commitment to doing what is right, regardless of the implications. We also spoke with others who had founded their own firms and tried to learn from their experience. So far, it has worked better than we could have imagined. We had a record year in 2015 and are deeply appreciative of all of the people that have helped us get to this point.
While it would be tempting to slow down and relax a bit in 2016, we have done our planning and set stretch goals for ourselves. FlemingMartin will be spending a lot of time in the fast lane this year. Please send us a note to let us know how you plan to get out of your comfort zone in 2016.
– Fleming & Marty
Client Snapshot
Fitbit (NYSE: FIT) is headquartered in San Francisco and helps people lead healthier, more active lives by empowering them with data, inspiration and guidance to reach their goals. As the leader in the connected health and fitness category, Fitbit designs products and experiences that track everyday health and fitness. Fitbit products are carried in over 48,000 retail stores and more than 55 countries around the globe.
Last year, we had the pleasure of working with Fitbit’s Chief Business Officer to find an executive for the company’s newly created Vice President of Business Planning & Analysis role. We successfully completed that search under some challenging time constraints and learned a lot about both Fitbit and the broader consumer electronics
market in the process. We also started taking the stairs to our 4th floor office in Northern California because every little bit helps and it is also rewarding to reach your “steps” goal when you use a Fitbit.
New Website
We have a new website! Please visit us at
flemingmartin.com
Recently Completed Searches
- ActiveVideo (a Charter Communications & Arris, Inc. joint venture)
Vice President of Finance
- Fitbit (NYSE: FIT)
VP Business Planning & Analysis
- La Tavola (a Frontenac Portfolio company)
Chief Financial Officer
Current Searches
- Private Medical Supplies Co.
Vice President of Operations
- Private Transportation Services Co.
Vice President of Operations
- Public Consumer Electronics Co.
Head of Global Talent Acquisition
- Public Aerospace Co.
Director of Human Resources
Corporate Controller
- Public Manufacturing Co.
Director of Marketing
- Public Manufacturing Co.
Vice President of Information Technology